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Before your car breaks down, need a jump start or tire change, or any other roadside assistance service, you need to beware of the most common tow truck scams mostly used by amateur service providers. A serious accident can render your vehicle immobile and you might be forced to seek the help of a towing company to get you back to the road. However, in the midst of all those frustrations, the last thing you would want is to be scammed by a towing "professional".
To ensure that you don't fall prey to towing scams, here are a couple of things to observe. Know who is helping you. I'm pretty sure you might have heard the term - it's too good to be true - and you know how it mostly ends. If you are ever in an accident or any situation that requires roadside assistance and a tow truck happen to be "passing by", the first thing you need is to remember the adage. Scammers work with police alerts to learn in real-time of accidents and breakdowns. In the middle of frustrations and helplessness, you might find yourself signing fraudulent terms. It is advisable you have a reliable towing company that you can always call in the hour of your need. Beware of storage fees On average, it can take anywhere from ten to fourteen business days to receive a police report that details the extent of your car accident. This process can even be longer depending on how quickly the insurance company of the in-faulty driver cooperates for your reimbursement. The payment can also take longer to be processed. If your car has been damaged in the process, beware of fake towing professionals asserting to hold your car in their storage facilities for extended days as the investigation report comes. Work with your insurance company to expedite the process. Demand all necessary information It is your right to be informed and provided with all relevant information that can help you cross-reference anything you are in doubt of. When a tow truck you are not aware of comes to offer help to you, ensure you collect necessary paperwork for your records. Ask for a printed and itemized invoice that clearly shows towing fees, storage fees, and any other extra charges. A fraudulent towing company would not be willing to clearly avail information Don't disclose unnecessary information Many scamming towing companies have the tendency of asking for critical and unnecessary information with the aim of striking a bait. If a towing guy asks for your insurance information, it should immediately click in your mind as a red flag. It is also important to remember all the necessary information you need to provide is already given to your insurance provider. You should never be forced to disclose any other unnecessary information. Additionally, for any service you receive, ensure everything is in writing. This should only be an exception if you know the towing providers and that your insurance is going to cover the cost of the tow and any other charges. In business, you should never be quick to trust anyone, as there is no guarantee of their words.
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